Media cartridge with printed circuit board for use in a printing system

ABSTRACT

A printing system includes a printing machine and media cartridge. The printing machine has a housing, a printing mechanism and a processing unit connected to the housing, a media cartridge interface connecting the media cartridge to the printing machine, and a look-up table for storing media cartridge parameters. The media cartridge has a media support for a media source, and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit has a plurality of conductive traces with fusible links connected together in a circuit pattern on at least one of its sides. The circuit pattern includes an encoding of at least one media cartridge parameter that may be stored in the look-up table of the printing machine.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/957,987,filed Sep. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,391.

RELATED APPLICATION

This disclosure is related to the following U.S. patent applicationfiled on the same date as this application, owned by the assignee ofthis application, and the entirety of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference:

U.S. patent application entitled “Thermal Printhead Mechanism,” namingGregory C. Yehl and Michael Scott Adams as inventors.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to the field of printing systems. Morespecifically, this invention pertains to the field of media cartridgesfor printers, such as label roll printers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Label roll printers are utilized in order to create customized labelsfor home or office purposes. Thus, the growing demand for customizedlabels in recent years has increased the use of these printers.Typically, label roll printer systems have been comprised of a mediacartridge and a printing machine. The media cartridge may contain amedia source, such as a roll of labels, and some sort of a media supportassembly. The printing machine is often comprised of a housing, aprocessing unit with an operating system, and a printing mechanism.

There have been some enhancements made in the prior art on this standardprinter design. Prior art designs of media cartridges have includedmemory chips with custom interfacing contacts, and an electronicconnection to their printing machines. The memory chips contain dataabout the type of media source that is contained within their mediacartridges, and this data is sent electronically to the correspondingprinting machines. The printing systems of the prior art that use suchmemory chips, however, have several drawbacks. First, the cost of suchmemory chips is often very high, greatly increasing the price of theircorresponding media cartridges. Also, memory chips are often susceptibleto electrostatic discharge. Thus, other appliances near the printersthat create electrostatic discharge, or common everyday staticelectricity, may permanently damage the memory chips and render themuseless. In addition, the use of solder joints in many memory chips alsomakes them susceptible to failure due to faulty solder connections.

Instead of memory chips, other prior art printer system designs haveused features that activate mechanical switches on their mediacartridges to encode the types of media sources that are used. Theseprior art media cartridges using mechanical switches are also plagued bya variety of problems. First, mechanical switches are often veryexpensive and require custom fittings and housings. Therefore, the useof mechanical switches may significantly increase the cost of theprinting system, and make it less appealing to consumers. Second, asproducts age, their mechanical moving parts are often susceptible tofailure due to wear and tear. Thus, the mechanical switches utilizedwith these media cartridges are likely to fail as time passes. Finally,prior art designs have only been able to utilize a few mechanicalswitches per media cartridge. Since the amount of data mechanicalswitches can encode is proportional to the number of switches present,these media cartridge designs can only encode a very limited amount ofdata. Therefore, the mechanical switches may only enable the printingmachine to distinguish between a few media types.

Another disadvantage common to most of the prior art printing systems isthat their printing machines are unable to recognize individual mediacartridges. In other words, although these prior art printing systemsenable their printing machines to recognize a number of different typesof media cartridges as explained above, most do not create an individualidentification parameter, such as a serial number, for identifying eachmedia cartridge regardless of its media type.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have a media cartridge (e.g., labelroll) for printing systems (e.g., label roll printers) that overcomesthe above deficiencies associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a printing system comprising of a mediacartridge and a printing machine. The media cartridge is preferablycomprised of a media source and a printed circuit board having aplurality of conductive traces with fusible links that form a circuitpattern. The fusible links encode information about the media cartridge.The fusible links may encode a media type number that containsinformation about the type of media source used in the media cartridge.In addition, or alternatively, the fusible links may encode a serialnumber specific to the media cartridge that enables it to beindividually identified by the printing machine.

The printing machine is preferably comprised of a housing, a processingunit and a printing mechanism connected to the housing, a mediacartridge interface connecting the printing machine to the mediacartridge, and a look-up table. The look-up table may be comprised ofthe media type number for each media cartridge that has been attached tothe printing machine. In addition, or alternatively, the look-up tablemay be comprised of the individual serial numbers for each of thesemedia cartridges. The look-up table may also keep track of the amount ofmedia used within individual media cartridges. Also, the look-up tablemay keep track of user settings associated with an individual mediacartridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a printingsystem.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a mediacartridge for use in the printing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a printed circuitboard for use in the media cartridge of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 a–4 b are side views of another exemplary embodiment of aprinted circuit board for use in the media cartridge of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the details of theelectrical interconnections of one possible circuit pattern.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a fixed supportplate for use in the media cartridge of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram overview of the operation of the printingsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a media cartridgeinterface for use in the printing system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a look-up tablefor use in the operation of the printing system of FIG. 1, as shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of the printing system ofFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary printing system 8of the present invention. The printing system 8 preferably comprises amedia cartridge 10 that is inserted into a housing 152 of a printingmachine 150. While a label roll is shown in FIG. 1 as the media sourcefor the media cartridge 10, it should be understood that any type ofmedia source, including media sources other than label rolls (e.g.,label sheets, photograph paper, etc.), may be used with the printingsystem of the present invention. Similarly, while a label roll printeris shown in FIG. 1 as the printing machine 150, it should also beunderstood that any type of printing machine, including printingmachines other than label roll printers (e.g., laser printers,photograph printers, etc.), may be used with the printing system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of themedia cartridge 10. The media cartridge 10 comprises a printed circuitboard assembly 20, a media support assembly 70, a media source 130, anda pair of fasteners 140. The printed circuit board assembly 20 comprisesa printed circuit board 30 and a printed circuit board cover 50.

FIG. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment of the printed circuit board 30 ingreater detail. The printed circuit board 30 has a first side 32, asecond side 34 (see FIG. 4), a connection edge 35, and a pair offastener holes 42. The first side 32 of the printed circuit board 30preferably has a plurality of conductive traces 36 a with fusible links38 a that are connected together to form a circuit pattern 44 a. Itshould be understood that while twelve conductive traces 36 a are shownin the printed circuit board 30 of FIG. 3, more or less conductivetraces 36 a may be used with the printed circuit board of the presentinvention, depending on consumer and/or manufacturing preferences. Asshown in FIG. 3, the fusible links 38 a are also connected together by acommon conductive trace 39 a, which in turn is also connected to acommon conductive trace 37 a. Preferably, the plurality of conductivetraces 36 a and the common conductive trace 37 a are all incommunication with the connection edge 35 of the printed circuit board30.

The circuit pattern 44 a (and its plurality of conductive traces 36 aand fusible links 38 a) preferably has an encoding for one or moreparameters 46 associated with the media cartridge 10 that includes thecorresponding printed circuit board 30, as shown in FIG. 3. As discussedin more detail below, each conductive trace 36 a of the circuit pattern44 a preferably represents a bit integer (i.e., 1 or 0), and thecollection of conductive traces 36 a represent a binary number, which inturn may be translated into a numerical value for the parameter 46. Asshown in FIG. 3, the circuit pattern may include an encoding for asingle parameter 46, or alternatively, may include an encoding for twoor more parameters, such as a media type number 46 a and a serial number46 b. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mediatype number 46 a may be encoded via eight conductive traces 36 a (i.e.,an eight bit number) of the circuit pattern 44 a, while the serialnumber 46 b may be encoded via the remaining four conductive traces 36 a(i.e., a four bit number) of the circuit pattern 44 a. Of course, itshould be understood that any combination of conductive traces 36 a maybe used to represent these parameters, and the present invention shouldnot be limited to the exemplary embodiment shown and described in thepresent application. In other words, the media type number 46 a and theserial number 46 b may be comprised of any length bit number dependingon the number of conductive traces used in the relative circuit pattern.

Preferably, the media type number 46 a (or 46 a′) is used to describethe media source 130 used in the media cartridge 10. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the media source 130 is comprised of a roll oflabels, so the media type number 46 a may encode a numerical value thatidentifies the type of label contained in the media source 130.Similarly, the serial number 46 b (or 46 b′) is preferably used toidentify a particular media cartridge 10 independent of its media type.In other words, such a serial number could make a specific mediacartridge 10 individually recognizable to the printing machine 150. As aresult, the printing machine is preferably capable of “remembering” amedia cartridge and its characteristics (e.g., amount of labelsremaining) even if it has been removed and later reinserted into theprinting machine.

Another exemplary embodiment of a printed circuit board 30′ for use withthe media cartridge 10 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4 a–4b. The printed circuit board 30′ is identical to the printed circuitboard 30 described above and shown in FIG. 3, except that both the firstand second sides 32, 34 of the printed circuit board 30′ have circuitpatterns 44 a, 44 b, with the circuit patterns 44 a, 44 b of the printedcircuit board 30′ both including an encoding for media cartridgeparameters, such as a media type number 46 a′ and a serial number 46 b′.Similarly, the second side 34 is preferably, but not necessarily,identical to the first side 32, except that its parameter 46 b′ may beused for different purpose (i.e., a serial number) than the parameter 46a′ (i.e., a media type number). For ease of reference, correspondingcomponents of the second side 34 have been referenced with a “b” in FIG.4 b, instead of the “a” used in FIG. 4 a. As an example, the conductivetraces 36 a and the fusible links 38 a of the first side 32 of theprinted circuit board have been referenced as the conductive traces 36 band the fusible links 38 b for the second side 34 of the printed circuitboard. It should be understood that the “a” and “b” components in FIGS.4 a and 4 b are preferably identical (except for the parameters 46 a′and 46 b′) unless otherwise stated to the contrary herein.

As a result of this alternative exemplary embodiment, the circuitpattern 44 a of the first side 32 of the printed circuit board 30′ mayinclude an encoding for a twelve bit media type number 46 a′, and thecircuit pattern 44 b of the second side 34 of the printed circuit board30′ may include an encoding for a twelve bit serial number 46 b′. Onceagain, however, it should be understood that any combination of thecircuit patterns 44 a, 44 b, or portions thereof, may be used torepresent the parameters 46 a′, 46 b′ (and/or any other parameters).

FIG. 5 details the electrical interconnections of one possible circuitpattern for a printed circuit board of the present invention, regardlessof which embodiment is employed for the printed circuit board. Forexemplary purposes, however, only the circuit pattern 44 a of FIG. 4 ais shown in FIG. 5 and will described herein. It should be understoodthat the same electrical interconnections may be applied to the circuitpatterns 44 a, 44 b (or portions thereof) of FIGS. 3 and 4 b.

As shown in FIG. 5, the circuit pattern 44 a on the first side 32 may beformed by blowing open or breaking one or more of the fusible links 38a. The fusible links may be blown or broken in the following manner.First, a high voltage may be applied to one or more of the conductivetraces 36 a while grounding the common conductive trace 37 a. As aresult, a large current may pass through one or more of the fusiblelinks 38 a connected to the conductive traces 36 a that had the voltageapplied to them. This large current then blows or breaks the one or morefusible links 38 a it passes through, preventing any future current frompassing through those one or more fusible links 38 a. In other words,the one or more fusible links 38 a through which the high current passedwill now be part of an open circuit. It should be understood that thefusible links 38 a may be blown or broken by the printed circuit boardmanufacturer or by the printing system that incorporates the printedcircuit board, as discussed in more detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of conductivetraces 36 a are referenced as “Conductive trace A” through “Conductivetrace L,” and the fusible links 38 a directly attached to Conductivetrace A, Conductive trace D, and Conductive trace F have been blown orbroken (represented by an “X”). As shown in FIG. 5, each conductivetrace (Conductive traces A–L) is labeled with a numerical valuecorresponding to its bit position within the binary number encoded inthe circuit pattern 44 a. For example, Conductive trace A is assigned anumerical value of “1” (i.e., 2⁰), Conductive trace B is assigned anumerical value of “2” (i.e., 2¹), Conductive trace C is assigned anumerical value of “4” (i.e., 2²), and so on, with the number ofpossible combinations of encoded numerical values for the circuitpattern being directly proportional to the number of conductive traces36 a (e.g., Conductive traces A–L). In other words, there are 2^(N)possible combinations of encoded numerical values for the circuitpattern, where “N” is the number of conductive traces 36 a used to formthe circuit pattern. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, therewould be “4096” (i.e., 2¹²) possible combinations, since there aretwelve conductive traces 36 a in the circuit pattern 44 a.

Depending on which fusible links 38 a are blown or broken, the circuitpattern 44 a may encode a bit pattern (not shown). This bit patterncomprises a string of logical low and high values. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 5, the blown or broken (i.e., open circuit)fusible links 38 a correspond to logical high values (i.e., a binary“1”), and the non-blown or unbroken (i.e., closed circuit) fusible links38 a correspond to logical low values (i.e., a binary “0”). Thus, ifConductive traces A, D, and F are blown or broken, then the resultingbinary number would be “000000101001,” which also equates to a numericalvalue of “41” (i.e., 1+8+32=41). As explained above, this numericalvalue could be used to represent a media type number 46 a or a serialnumber 46 b.

For more information on fusible links and fuse programming, one canrefer to U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,587, which is specifically incorporated inits entirety herein by reference.

It should be understood from the preceding discussion that in alternateembodiments, each circuit pattern 44 a, 44 b may encode more or lessdata, or different data altogether, and that this description is merelyillustrating an exemplary embodiment of this invention. Also, unlike theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 a-4 b, in other alternateembodiments, only one side or a portion thereof may have a circuitpattern. Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, it is also possible thatboth sides or portions thereof may have a substantially similar circuitpattern.

Turning back to FIG. 2 once again, the printed circuit board cover 50which houses the printed circuit board 30 comprises a first side 54, asecond side 56, and a third side 58 all preferably connected togetherand extending from a base 52. The printed circuit board cover 50 alsoincludes an opening 60 between the first and third sides 54, 58, and afastener connection area 62 with a pair of connection holes 63. In thisexemplary embodiment, when assembled, the base 52, the first side 54,the second side 56, and the third side 58 partially enclose the printedcircuit board 30. Also, the connection holes 63 are preferably alignedwith the fastener holes 42 of the printed circuit board 30 (or 30′).Therefore, when a pair of fasteners 140 are passed through theconnection holes 63 and the fastener holes 42, the fasteners 140 alignand connect the printed circuit board cover 50 to the printed circuitboard 30 (or 30′). It should be understood that the design shown in FIG.2 for the printed circuit board cover 50 is merely exemplary, andalternate designs for covers that protect the printed circuit board 30may be utilized. It should also be understood that while the printedcircuit board cover 50 is preferably made from a polymer plastic such aspolypropylene, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride, other suitablematerials may be used for the printed circuit board 50, depending onconsumer and/or manufacturing preferences.

As shown in FIG. 2, the media support assembly 70 is preferably (but notnecessarily) comprised of a media support 80, a fixed support plate 90,and an adjustable support plate 110. The media support 80 is comprisedof an outer surface 82, a first end 84, a second end 86, and a malefastener connection area 88. In this exemplary embodiment, the malefastener connection area 88 is located at the first end 84 of the mediasupport 80, but may be located elsewhere in alternate embodiments, suchas between the first end 84 and the second end 86.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the fixed support plate 90 is preferablycomprised of a first side 92, a second side 94, a female fastenerconnection area 96, and a fingerplate 102 (see FIG. 6). In thisexemplary embodiment, the fingerplate 102 is preferably connected to thesecond side 94 of the fixed support plate 90. The fingerplate 102provides a convenient place to grasp the fixed support plate 90. Thefemale fastener connection area 96 is present on both the first side 92and the second side 94 of the fixed support plate 90. As best shown inFIG. 2, the female fastener connection area 96 preferably contains arecessed portion 96 a for receiving the male fastener connection area 88of the media support 80, and a pair of support holes 96 b aligned withthe fastener holes 42 and the connection holes 63 for receiving thefasteners 140. Consequently, the male fastener connection area 88 may bemated with the recessed portion 96 a of the female fastener connectionarea 96 to connect the media support 80 and the fixed support plate 90,and the fasteners 140 may be passed through the connection, fastener,and support holes 63, 42, 96 b to connect the printer circuit boardcover 50, the printed circuit board 30, the fixed support plate 90, andthe media support 80 together.

The adjustable support plate 110 is comprised of a first side 112, asecond side 114, a central bore 116, a central bore inner surface 118, afirst finger tab 120, and a second finger tab 122. The first finger tab120 and the second finger tab 122 are preferably connected to the firstside 112 of the adjustable support plate 110. Once again, like thefingerplate 102, the first finger tab 120 and the second finger tab 122serve as a convenient place to grasp the adjustable support plate 110.The central bore 116 passes through the adjustable support plate 110from the first side 112 to the second side 114. The central bore innersurface 118 preferably has dimensions corresponding to the outer surface82 of the media support 80. Hence, in this exemplary embodiment, thecentral bore inner surface 118 can be removably mounted on the outersurface 82 of the media support 80 near its second end 86 to removablyconnect the adjustable support plate 110 to the media support 80 (andthus the fixed support plate 90).

In this exemplary embodiment, the material used for all of thecomponents in the media support assembly 70 is preferably a polymerplastic, such as polypropylene, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride.Like the printed circuit board cover 50, however, it should beunderstood that other suitable materials may be used for suchcomponents, depending on consumer and/or manufacturing preferences.

As shown in FIG. 2, the media source 130 is preferably comprised of acentral bore 132, and a central bore inner surface 134. The central boreinner surface 134 preferably has dimensions larger than the outersurface 82 of the media support 80. Hence, in this exemplary embodiment,the central bore inner surface 134 can be removably mounted on the outersurface 82 of the media support 80.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the media source 130 is aroll of labels, but different types of media may be used in alternateembodiments of the present invention. For example, in alternateembodiments, the media source 130 may be a stack of papers orphotographs, or a roll of another type of printable media. In suchalternate embodiments, especially embodiments involving a stack ofmedia, it should be understood that the media support 80 may be more inthe form of a tray for holding and supporting media, as opposed to therod-like configuration shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 also shows a pair of fasteners 140, more specifically a firstfastener 142 and a second fastener 144, which have been referred toabove. In one exemplary embodiment, the fasteners may be metal screws.It should be understood, however, that other types of fasteners, such asnails, bolts, rivets, tabs, and snap-fit components, may be used withthe media cartridge of the present invention, depending on consumerand/or manufacturing preferences.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a block diagram of an exemplary printing machine150 is shown with electronic communications and connections indicatedwith arrows. The exemplary printing machine 150 comprises a processingunit 168 that is connected to and in communication with a printingmechanism 154, a media cartridge interface 160, a memory unit 178, and auser interface 198. The processing unit 168 is further comprised of anautomated programming mechanism 170, and the memory unit 178 is furthercomprised of a look-up table 180 and a counter 197.

The printing mechanism 154 is the mechanical mechanism by which theprinting machine 150 prints. In one exemplary embodiment, the printingmechanism is a thermal printing mechanism. A thermal printing mechanismis generally comprised of a fixed linear array of heating elementsdesigned to make direct contact with thermally sensitive media. Itshould be understood, however, that alternate embodiments are alsopossible, and the printing mechanism 154 may, for example, be a dotmatrix printing mechanism or a laser printing mechanism. For moreinformation on thermal printing mechanisms and thermal printers, one canrefer to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,965,330 and 3,947,854. U.S. Pat. Nos.3,965,330 and 3,947,854 are hereby specifically incorporated herein byreference.

An exemplary embodiment of the media cartridge interface 160 is shown inFIG. 8. The media cartridge interface 160 is comprised of a first end162, a second end 164, and a wire band 166 connecting the first andsecond ends 162, 164. The first end 162 of the media cartridge interface160 is designed to connect to the connection edge 35 of the printedcircuit board 30 through the opening 60 in the printed circuit boardcover 50. When the first end 162 of the media cartridge interface 160 isconnected to the connection edge 35 of the printed circuit board 30, themedia cartridge interface 160 preferably contacts, and is capable ofreading the encoding of, the circuit pattern 44 a and its plurality ofconductive traces 36 a.

The second end 164 of the media cartridge interface 160 is designed toconnect to the processing unit 168 on the printing machine 160.Therefore, the media cartridge interface 160 connects the printedcircuit board 30 to the printing machine 150. While a wire band 166 isshown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, however, it should beunderstood that the wire band is not necessary, and the second end 164of the media cartridge interface may be mounted directly to, and formedintegral with, the housing of the printing machine.

In one exemplary embodiment, the media cartridge interface 160 is asimple off-the-shelf card edge connector, but any device known to forman interface with printed circuit boards may be used. For moreinformation on this subject, one can refer to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,254,435and 6,174,184, which pertain to card edge connectors. U.S. Pat. Nos.6,254,435 and 6,174,184 are hereby specifically incorporated in theirentirety herein by reference.

In the exemplary embodiment of the printing machine 150 shown in FIG. 7,the processing unit 168 of the printing machine 150 is a microprocessorrunning a proprietary operating system. Generally, computationalprocesses that take place within the printing machine 150 take place inthe processing unit 168. Furthermore, the processing unit 168 connectsto and controls the printing mechanism 154, the media cartridgeinterface 160, the memory unit 178, and the user interface 198. In thisexemplary embodiment, the parameters 46 of the printed circuit board 30,such as the media type number 46 a and/or the serial number 46 b, arereceived at the printing machine 150 by the processing unit 168 via themedia cartridge interface 160. It should be understood that thepreceding description of the processing unit is only exemplary, and oneof ordinary skill in the art would be able to contemplate otheralternate embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

The processing unit 168 is further comprised of an automated programmingmechanism 170, which may be used to fuse program the printed circuitboard 30. In this exemplary embodiment, the automated programmingmechanism 170 is a device that sends a high current across the mediacartridge interface 160 through one of more of the conductive traces 36a and/or the conductive traces 36 b in order to blow or break one ormore of the fusible links 38 a and/or fusible links 38 b, respectively.Fusible links 38 a and/or fusible links 38 b are sized to require asmall amount of current to melt or vaporize the link. The method ofoperation of such a device as the automated programming mechanism 170has been explained earlier when discussing the printed circuit board 30.For more information on fusible links and fusible link programmingdevices such as the automated programming mechanism 170, one can referto U.S. Pat. No. 4,879,587, which has already been incorporated byreference, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,300, which is also herebyspecifically incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

FIG. 7 also shows the exemplary memory unit 178. In this exemplaryembodiment, the memory unit 178 is preferably a non-volatile memorydevice such that memory values will not be lost when the printingmachine is powered off. Of course, other memory devices known in the artmay also be used with the memory unit of the present invention.Preferably, the memory unit 178 is electronically connected to theprocessing unit 168, and is also physically contained in the housing 152of the printing machine 150.

As shown in FIG. 7, a look-up table 180 may be stored in the memory unit178. Preferably, but not necessarily, the look-up table 180 is afirst-in-first-out (FIFO) storage table that is comprised of a set ofrow entries 182, as shown in FIG. 9. In one exemplary embodiment, theremay anywhere up to thirty row entries 182 in the look-up table 180, butmore or less row entries may be used depending on the memory size andconsumer and/or manufacturing preferences. As shown in FIG. 9, each rowentry in the set of row entries 182 is comprised of one column entryfrom each of the following column arrays: an index array 184, a mediatype number array 186, a serial number array 188, a starting mediaamount array 190, and a remaining media amount array 192. To simplifythe analysis of the look-up table 180, one can examine a sample rowentry 194 in light of each exemplary column array in closer detail.

The index array 184 keeps track of the number of entries in the look-uptable 180. The processing unit 168 is the unit that updates and modifiesthe index array 184. For sample row entry 194, the corresponding valuein the index array 184 is “6.” Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment,the sample row entry 194 is the sixth row entry in the set of rowentries 182.

Each entry in the media type number array 186 identifies the type ofmedia source 130 present in a media cartridge 10 that has been loadedinto the printing machine 150. Thus, each entry in this array is a mediatype number 46 a (or 46 a′) that was sent from the printed circuit board30 to the look-up table 180 via the media cartridge interface 160 andthe processing unit 168. FIG. 9 shows that the media type number 46 acorresponding to the sample row entry 194 is “10.” This value of “10”may be used to indicate that the media source 130 of the media cartridge10 inserted into the printing machine is a roll of 2 inch by 4 inchshipping labels. The processing unit 168 can also utilize the media typenumber 46 a to customize the printing process for the type of mediasource in the media cartridge.

Each element in the serial number array 188 individually identifies aparticular media cartridge 10 to which the printing machine 150 has beenconnected. Each element in the serial number array 188 is a serialnumber 46 b (or 46 b′) sent from the printed circuit board 30 to thelook-up table 180 via the media cartridge interface 160 and theprocessing unit 168. FIG. 9 shows that the serial number 46 acorresponding to the sample row entry 194 is “3424.” This value of“3424” may be used by the printing machine to recall information, suchas how much media is left, about a media cartridge that was removed andlater reinserted.

The starting media amount array 190 stores the value of the amount ofmedia that is present in an unused, new media cartridge 10. In thisexemplary embodiment, this value is already stored within the memoryunit 168. However, it is possible in alternate embodiments that thisvalue is obtained in another manner. For example, an entry in thestarting media amount array 190 may be obtained from the printed circuitboard 30 as a parameter 46 a or a parameter 46 b. In FIG. 9, theexemplary value in the starting media amount array 190 corresponding tothe sample row entry 194 is “100.” Thus, a media source of the labelroll type “10” may initially include one hundred labels on its roll.

Each entry in the remaining media amount array 192 tracks the amount ofmedia remaining in a specific media cartridge 10. Initially, eachelement in the remaining media amount array 192 is given the value ofthe corresponding entry in the starting media amount array 190. Then, asmedia is printed and used from the media cartridge 10, the value of theentry in the remaining media amount array 192 that corresponds to themedia cartridge 10 is decremented. In the exemplary embodiment of theprinting machine shown in FIG. 7, this decrementation is achieved by acounter 197. The value of the entry in the remaining media amount array192 is passed to the counter 197, where it is decremented as media isused, and then passed back to the remaining media amount array 192. Asan illustration of this process, FIG. 9 shows the value in the remainingmedia amount array 192 corresponding to the sample row entry 194 is“15.” Hence, this means that eighty-five pieces of media have beenprinted from media cartridge 10 with the serial number of “3424,” sincethere were originally one-hundred and now there are only fifteen left.If nine more pieces of media are printed from the “3424” mediacartridge, the counter 197 would receive the value “15” from theremaining media amount array 192, decrement it by “9,” and store backthe value “6” in the remaining media amount array 192 entrycorresponding to the “3424” media cartridge. Thus, the remaining mediaamount array 192 holds the correct value of the amount of mediaremaining on media cartridge 10. It should be understood that thedecrementation explained above may be achieved in a variety of ways,such as by having each entry in the remaining media amount array 192 bea counter itself, without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

Returning to FIG. 7, as mentioned above, the printing machine may alsoinclude a user interface 198 connected to and in communication with theprocessing unit 168. In this exemplary embodiment, the user interface198 is preferably a display, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD),that shows to the user of the printing machine the amount of mediaremaining in the media cartridge (i.e., the entries from the remainingmedia amount array 192 of the look-up table 180), the media type number46 a, and/or the serial number 46 b, as well as possible error andwarning messages. Values for these amounts and numbers may be acquiredfrom the look-up table 180 via the processing unit 168. In alternateembodiments, many other embellishments may be added to the userinterface 198, such as creating a user input module that would enablethe user to make custom changes to the printing procedure. Thus, itshould be understood that a variety of different user interfaces may beused in alternate embodiments of the present invention.

Having examined the structure and connectivity of the elements of theexemplary printing system, an exemplary method of operation of theprinting system will now be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchartdiagramming an exemplary method of operation 200 of the exemplaryprinting system 8. In the first step, step 202, the connection edge 35of the printed circuit board 30 is connected to the media cartridgeinterface 160 of the printing machine 150. Next, in step 204, theprocessing unit 168 of the printing machine 150 reads one or moreparameters 46 (e.g., the media type number 46 a, 46 a′ and/or the serialnumber 46 b, 46 b′) that is encoded by circuit pattern 44 a and/orcircuit pattern 44 b on the printed circuit board 30 (or 30′).

In step 206, a determination is preferably made by the processing unit168 as to whether a parameter, such as the serial number, is in a resetstate. A parameter is in a reset state if it has not been previously setor programmed by the manufacturer of the printed circuit board of themedia cartridge. If a parameter, such as a serial number, is in thereset state, then in step 208 the parameter (e.g., the serial number)must be programmed into the printed circuit board by the printingmachine. This may be accomplished with fuse programming via theautomated programming mechanism 170 described above. Once the parameterhas been programmed into the printed circuit board, the new parameter(e.g., the serial number) is added as an entry in the appropriatelocation of the look-up table 180 in step 210.

Returning to the decision of step 206, if there are no parameters in thereset state (i.e., all of the parameters were previously set orprogrammed by the printed circuit board manufacturer), then the method200 continues with step 212. As shown in FIG. 10, in step 212, adetermination is made as to whether or not the printed circuit board'sparameters, such as the printed circuit board's serial number, hasalready been stored or logged into the look-up table. If the parametershave not yet been entered into the look-up table, then they are added toappropriate entries in the look-up table in step 210 (described above).

As shown in FIG. 10, if the printed circuit board's parameters havealready been entered into the look-up table, or they have been added tothe look-up table pursuant to step 210, then the method 200 continueswith step 214. In step 214, the look-up table entry corresponding to theprinted circuit board's parameters is selected for printing with therespective media cartridge. The selected look-up table entry may then beupdated as printing proceeds.

Finally, in step 216, the processing unit 168 determines if the printingmechanism 154 is printing. If the printing mechanism 154 is printing,the process goes to step 218, and the entry for the remaining mediaarray 192 corresponding to the attached printed circuit board and themedia cartridge is modified and updated by decrementing a countercorresponding to the amount of media that is being printed and used.After the printing has been completed and the look-up table has beenupdated with the modified remaining media amount (or if there was noprinting to begin with), the method 200 ends.

The printing system of the present invention has many advantages overthe prior art printing systems. For example, the printing system of thepresent invention uses media cartridges with printed circuit boards thatare inexpensive to manufacture, especially when compared to memory chipsand mechanical switches. In addition, not only are these printed circuitboards easy and inexpensive to program with fuse programming, but theyare capable of storing relatively large parameter numbers withoutrequiring a large amount of space and components. Moreover, the printedcircuit boards of the present invention are reliable and resistant toelectrostatic damage, as well as wear and tear, and may be used withstandard, off-the-shelf hardware (as opposed to the custom fittings andhousings required for mechanical switches). Indeed, the inexpensive, yetlarge parameter capacity of these printed circuit boards enables theprinting system of the present invention to utilize a much moredetailed, in-depth, and feature rich look-up table for customizingprinting projects and better regulating replacements of mediacartridges. Furthermore, the printing machine of the present inventionis capable of recognizing a wide variety of different types of mediacartridges, as well as recognizing a large number of different mediacartridges of the same type (and recalling information about them).

It should be understood that a wide variety of changes and modificationsmay be made to the embodiments of the printing system described above.For instance, the normal functions and/or determinations handled by theprocessing unit of the printing machine may be distributed to otherintelligent components of the printing machine and off-loaded from themain processor. In addition, certain components, functions, andoperations of the printing system of the present invention may beaccomplished with hardware, software, and/or a combination of the two.It is therefore intended that the foregoing description illustratesrather than limits this invention, and that it is the following claims,including all equivalents, that define this invention:

1. A printing system comprising: a media cartridge having a media support assembly, the media support assembly comprising a fixed support plate having a first connection portion, a media support having a second connection portion, the first connection portion mating with the second connection portion to connect the media support and the fixed support plate, and an adjustable support plate removably connected to the media support; and a printing machine including a housing, a printing mechanism connected to the housing, a processing unit connected to the housing, and a media cartridge interface with a first end connected to the processing unit and a second end connected electronically to the media cartridge.
 2. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the media cartridge further comprises a media source mounted on the media support.
 3. The printing system of claim 2, wherein the media source comprises a roll of labels.
 4. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the printing machine further comprises a look-up table for storing at least one parameter associated with the media cartridge, the at least one parameter associated with the media cartridge being sent electronically from the media cartridge to the look-up table of the printing machine accross the media cartridge interface.
 5. The printing system of claim 1, wherein the printing mechanism comprises a thermal printing mechanism. 